Tips to keep your relationship fresh one year on

When you hit the first year of your marriage, you might notice some clear differences in your relationship. They may be good or bad changes. Regardless, it is undeniable that at this point in your relationship, you may feel that it takes a little bit more effort to maintain the spark that was once so easy to feel between the two of you.

That’s completely normal. A lot of relationships need a little nudge to make sure they’re going in the right direction. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to make sure it stays that way.

Keep doing new things together

It’s common knowledge that a lot of relationships remain intact due to the novelty of being with each other. Fact of the matter is, novelty wears off. The good news is that you can also find novelty in your relationship through other things. Doing new things with each other can spark a newfound bond between the two of you. It can also open up new avenues for you to learn about one another in different aspects.

Take the time out to get a common hobby that you could do over the weekend. Maybe you could try and go out of town once in a while. Try trekking, or do theatre together. The possibilities are endless.

No gadgets in bed. Catch up with each other at the end of the day.

In this day and age, it’s become so easy to detach yourself from each other and just comfortably scroll your phones next to each other. While we do think that it’s important to have non-awkward silences together, this sort of habit may breed detachment between the two of you as well.

Make it a rule to not touch any gadgets as soon as you both hop into bed. That email can wait until morning. Ask your partner about their day and encourage them to do the same. Make sure you’re never out of the loop and that you’re there for both their frustrations and their joy.

Support each other’s hopes and dreams

Many couples at this point may feel like they slowly become stuck in a rut. There are other priorities in life that take precedence besides just personal development, and sometimes that’s okay. With that said as someone’s partner in life, you need to help make sure they’re on the right track to reaching their goals and dreams.

This isn’t your personal responsibility, but it is a great act of love to help your spouse be the very best they can be. Be their biggest cheerleader. Encourage them when they feel like they are faltering. Show them the great person that you see in them, even if they don’t see it themselves.

Trust that when all things are said and done, they’ll appreciate you for everything and you’ll both have a newfound energy for your relationship.

Marriage is a lifelong journey, so you’re bound to hit some bumps on the road no matter how hard you try. The trick is knowing that this is okay and to keep trying anyway. That’s always what’s most important.